A recent study examined how obesity and a history of cannabis use may be associated with overall well-being amongst 600 low-income U.S. veterans. Researchers found that veterans who had both obesity and a history of cannabis use experienced greater challenges across several areas of life compared to veterans who had obesity alone.

This group of veterans who were obese and had a history of cannabis use reported poorer physical health, lower emotional well-being, and reduced social functioning. They were also more likely to experience housing instability, including homelessness, eviction, or foreclosure, and had higher rates of interpersonal trauma and incarceration. While some mental health and trauma-related differences were less pronounced when compared with veterans who had a history of cannabis use without obesity, the combined group showed the highest levels of housing-related difficulties.

The researchers suggest that these conditions may coexist with broader challenges such as poverty, chronic stress, trauma, and limited access to healthcare and support services. It is important to note that this study does not show that obesity or a history of cannabis use directly caused these outcomes. Since the research was observational, it can only identify associations between these factors. Meaning, the findings suggest that veterans with both conditions may represent a particularly vulnerable population that could benefit from more comprehensive support. This supports the idea that veteran care should address physical health, mental health, substance use, trauma history, and housing needs together rather than treating each issue separately.

As obesity rates remain high and cannabis use becomes increasingly common, studies like these highlight the importance of understanding how multiple health and social factors can overlap. It is important to recognize these complex relationships to help healthcare providers and policymakers develop more effective approaches to supporting veterans and other vulnerable populations.

Read the full article here.

References:

Stefanovics, E., Potenza, M. & Tsai, J. (2026) History of Cannabis Use and Obesity Among U.S. Low-Income Veterans: Associations With Mental Health and Psychosocial Functioning. Psychiatric Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-026-10284-5